MMOEXP Madden 26 builds teams around player ratings

[Adrianayng]

Every year, NFL free agency shakes up the league in ways that excite fans of the real sport—but not always those who live for franchise mode in Madden. With Madden 26 coins just around the corner, some of the biggest offseason moves are already sparking debates about how they’ll play out in-game. While these moves may work out on Sundays in real life, they’re destined to be frustrating, head-scratching, or downright game-breaking in your virtual dynasty.

Here are the free agency signings and trades from the 2025 offseason that you already know you'll hate in Madden 26.

1. Kirk Cousins to the Raiders
Yes, the Raiders needed a quarterback. And yes, Kirk Cousins is a competent veteran when healthy. But in Madden, he’s a disaster waiting to happen for long-term franchise players. With limited mobility, a middling arm, and a contract that’ll lock up cap space for multiple seasons, Cousins is the definition of a roster anchor in Madden. He’ll likely start with an overall rating in the mid-to-high 70s, which means he's too expensive to keep and too mediocre to start if you're rebuilding. Have fun trying to offload that contract in Year 2.

2. Derrick Henry to the Texans
Derrick Henry signing with the Houston Texans might be a power move in real life—but in Madden, it’s going to drive you crazy. Henry is a beast when user-controlled, but AI Henry tends to underperform unless the offense is tailored perfectly around him. The Texans’ current scheme leans pass-heavy, and in simulation mode, Henry’s downhill, power style doesn't mesh with a spread offense. Expect 3.7 yards per carry and a lot of wasted touches in Franchise sim stats. Oh, and he’s 31, so his overall will start dropping before you hit Week 10.

3. Hunter Renfrow to the Chiefs
The Chiefs adding yet another undersized slot receiver? Sounds about right. But while Patrick Mahomes might make it work on the field, Madden players know how annoying it is to go up against 5’10” route runners with glitchy cuts and improbable hands. Renfrow won’t be rated high, but the AI will constantly convert 3rd-and-8 with drag routes and pivot plays you can’t seem to cover no matter how many adjustments you make. Worse, he’ll probably be cheap and locked in for three years, so expect to face him every playoff run if you’re in the AFC.

4. Chase Young to the Bears
This move makes sense in the real world—pairing Young with Montez Sweat could be terrifying. In Madden, though, Chase Young has long been a frustrating edge rusher to deal with. He has all the tools on paper: high strength, decent speed, and solid finesse moves. But his performance never seems to match his rating. Unless you're user-controlling him every snap, Young rarely gets pressure, and his injury rating is low enough that he’ll likely miss 3–5 games per season. Prepare for disappointment when simming games or trying to build around him in Franchise mode.

5. Mike Evans to the Panthers
Mike Evans leaving Tampa for division-rival Carolina is dramatic. It’s also problematic if you’re trying to rebuild the Panthers in Franchise. Evans will likely still have a strong rating—high 80s, maybe even 90—but his regression will be swift. Add in a likely overpriced deal and inconsistent QB play, and you’ve got a WR1 who won’t elevate your offense. Sim stats will dip, and he’ll be nearly impossible to trade due to his age and salary. On top of that, he’ll soak up targets from your young talent, making development harder for rookies and second-year players.

Conclusion: Madden Doesn’t Care About Your Logic
NFL front offices build rosters with scheme fits and real-world chemistry in mind. Madden builds teams around player ratings and sometimes odd simulation logic. Every offseason, we see moves that make total sense in reality but turn into headaches for virtual GMs. Whether it’s due to buy Mut 26 coins age regression, mismatched schemes, or broken AI tendencies, these free agency moves will be the ones you dread facing—or worse, inheriting—in Madden 26.

So, when Franchise mode drops and you’re mapping out your rebuild, maybe skip a few of these “big names.” Your cap sheet and sanity will thank you.